The Real Interactive Summer Learning Experience (RISE) program concluded its eighth year with a graduation ceremony in the Fair Street International Academy gymnasium June 28.

About 130 students from Gainesville and Hall County schools received certificates of achievement and other gifts to celebrate their time in the program, which is made possible by contributions from Brenau University, the Gainesville Housing Authority, Gainesville City Schools, and the Rotary Club of Braselton. The students also performed songs and dances they learned during a confidence building workshop for family members.

The program was developed by Brenau educators as a way to help prevent summer learning loss for children from low-income families.